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Practical Method 



-)FOR THE(— 



CULTIVATION OF 



MULBERRY TREES, 



RAISING OF 



SILK WORMS, COCOONS, Etc. 



BY 



CARERA, HUBER & CO. 



NEW V O R K . 

A. Carigliano, Printer, Publisher & Translator. 

280 MOTT STREET. 



Practical Method 

— )FOR THE(— 

CULTIVATION OF 

MULBERRY TREES, 

RAISING OF 

SILK WORMS, COCOONS, Etc. 

OARERA, HUBER & CO. 

N E \V V O R K. 

A. Carigliano, Printer. Publisher & Translator. 

280 MOTT STREET. 






Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1868 by 
Carera, Huber & Co., in the Office of the Librarian of Congress 
in Washington, 



PREFACE. 



As many of our ])atrons have addressed letters to us, 
asking for information and advice, in regard to the culture 
of the mulberry tree and the care of the silk-worm, and 
knowing full well the impossibility of answering all parties 
<oncerned individually, we have decided to compile the 
^tresent pamphlet, wherein all the necessary information 
may be obtained. 

And by so doing we flatter ourselves, that we will thus 
become useful to our patrons, in promoting the increase of 
this newly - started industry in this country, which we are 
assured, will, in a very short time, develop considerably, 
owing principally to climate, soil, and the intelligence and 
industry of the American people. 

New York, Dec. 1883. The Authors, 

CARERA HUBER & CO. 

152 Wooster Street. 



MULBERRY TREE CULTURE. 



Its origin. 

The mulberry tree (niorus) was discovered as an indig- 
enous plant, in Bengal, India, and in the Chinese Empire. 
The importation of the black mulberry (morus nigra) into 
Europe IS lost in the records of history; that of the white 
mulberry (morus alba) is of a more recent dale — between 
the years 350 and 400 of the Christian Era. 

The mulberry tree requires a climate similar to that 
of a vine, and will perish at a temperature below 10 
degrees. This tree is not suited to that climate, where, 
afier its leaves are gathered in spring, the mean temperature 
is not, for three months at least 50. At 65 degrees the 
leaves fully develoj). In order that the tree may i)roduce 
the requisite (juantity of leaves, it is necessary that, from 
the time in which it begins to -bud to that in which the 
temi)erature, after the heat of summer is lowered to 70 
degrees, may receive at least 15,000 degrees cf heat. Every 
branch we may imagine to be divided into three parts, viz.? 
the interior, or hard wood, which feels entirely the heat of sum- 
mer; the middle, or green wood, which grows during the last 
heat of summer, and the beginning of autumn; and the supe- 
rior i)art, or bark. Hence, in a temi)erate climate, during 
the blasts and colds of winter, only the bark, or the tip of 
the branch, will be affected. 



— 6 — 

How to select a Mulberry Tree 

In the manner of selecting mulberry trees, we do not 
choose those plants which are too big neither do we choose 
very large leaves, but those trees that grovv gradual and 
regular, thus guaranteeing their tenacity and durability — a 
tree pleasing to the eyes, and profitable to the purse of the 
growers. We have also in view, in our selection of plants, 
to choose those best adapted to the different localities. 

There are a great varieties of mulberry trees; but the 
grower must select those whose leaves are larger and most 
consistent; by thus doing accruing larger profits to himself 
by raising a better ipiality, and a larger quantity of cocoons. 
The principal species of mulberry trees are the black and 
white. • 

The black mulberry tree (morus nigra) was imported 
into Italy and Spain, from Greece and Sicily. Its fruit is 
black and sweet, and was eaten by people long before it was 
thought of using its leaves as food for the silk- worm. Its 
organization being robust, its bark thick and woody, its fibres 
close, its vegetation less precocious, all seem to be in har- 
mony with a late spring in a cold climate, and clearly 
indicate, that, thougii the tree is an indigenous of warm 
climates, it can also thrive in colder ones. The silk - worm 
feeds well on its leaves, though the silk produced is not of a 
fi le quality. 

The white mulberry tree (morus alba)is of more recent 
importation, as previously stated, and is only suitable for 
warm climates. The silk -worm that feeds on its leaves 
produces a better quality of silk, By ingrafting the two 



— 7 — 

species a new jjlant is reproduced suitable for any clime. 

There is also another kind of mulberry tree, that of 
the Philippine Islands called "morus cuculata or multicaule,'" 
on account of the many shoots that spring up from the base 
of the trunk. It was discovered by Perrotet and Matrilla, 
in those islands and introduced in Europe in 182 1, first in 
France, and afterwads in Italy. Its leaves are very large 
and easily torn by the wind. In structure is less consistent 
than the other two species, and its roots are easly preyed 
upon by squirrels. It is propagated by seed or ingrafting. 
The leaves being formed early in the season, the feeding of 
the silk-worms will become earlier. 

The principal varieties obtained by the seed of the white 
mulberry tree are the following: the " Si)agno-R('man, 
that of Tuscany, the Morettiano, rosea, Male Piramidales 
and ibridis." 



Propagation of the Mulberry Tree. 

The propagation of the mulberry tree is ordinarily 
accomjilished by its seed. The plant must be vigorous and 
the seed gathered from branches two years old. But, as the 
mulberry is not a plant that bears herm()])hrodite flowers, 
but only the male and female, separated from each other, 
and often the female abounding, care should be taken, that 
on the same, or a neighboring plant, be found male flowers, 
otherwise the seed will not produce fruit. 

The gathering of tlie fruits should be actomjjlished 
by shaking the tree, so as to collect only the ripe ones. The 



fruits are placed in a receptacle containing water, and 
are tliere mashed, to separate the seed from the i)ulp. The 
good seed being heavier, will fall to the bottom of the 
receptacle, and the bad ones will float. The water is then 
])Oured off leaving the good seed at the bottom. And in this 
manner of manipulation, only the good seeds will remain. 
They are then dried in an airy and shady place. 

To keep the seeds until spring, put them in dry sand, 
and keep in a place free from dampness and airy. The seed 
that is kept over a year will lose its strength. The best 
time to sow the seed is in June, but care should be taken to 
keep the seed always shaded from the rays of the sun. For 
this purpose straw or dry leaves are strewn on tlie earth 
over them. 

The soil selected should be well worked and freed 
from weeds and small stones. More than manure a soft soil 
is needed. Divide your field into squares and in these 
squares dig four furrows, one foot apart, and about, i^ inch 
(0,03 centm.) deep. 

The seed should be put in the soil by scattering. 
Between the furrows another one is to be kept open, about 
one foot (o, 25 centm.) wide, for the workman to pass, and to 
allow the jilant more scope to grow. 

During the growth of the plant the soil should be kept 
constantly free from weeds and well-raked, — to keep the 
ground open, and this must be done until the plant has at- 
tained a height of about 8 inches (20 cent.) 

After the shoots have sprung up, the proper distance ol 
one from the other should be }4 foot (10 centimtr.) All the 
others should be uprooted and planted at that distance. 



— 9 — 

Planting. 

The soil best adapted for the mulberry tree must be 
of a calcareous and argillaceous nature, dry and deep, and 
not altogether devoid of organic matter. 

Before the planting of the shoots, the soil should be 
worked to the dejith of at least 2 feet, and it must be done 
before the winter sets in, so as to allow the earth to accpiire 
the strengtii necessary for vegetation. 

In opening tlie furrows, the superficial strata should be 
kept apart from the lower one, and freed from all small 
^^tones and lubbish. The best time to open the furrows is in 
August. 

Before planting the young shoots, care should be taken 
that all decayed portions of their roots be carefully trim- 
med. The trunk should be cut about half a foot from the 
ground, to give vigor to the roots. 

In setting out the shoots, keep the roots free and spread 
them out well; next take a small thin piece of wood, about 
the height of the shoot, to be used as a means of supi)ort, and 
grasping them both with the left hand, fill in evenly the 
earth about the roots with the right, 

The superficial earth should be placed upon the surface? 
leaving about the plant a small circular cavity sufficient to 
retain water to assist the vegetation. 

Always bear in mind the fact, that the roots should not 
be buried too deep in the earth. 

The first thing to be done after planting the shoots is 
u> prune them at the height of 4 inches (locentm.) from the 
ground, placing the cut-off portion of the shoot alongside 



— 10 — 

the plant, so as to mark the spot. Next is to free the shoots 
with the hands or with a sharp instrumtnt, of all buds, after 
the third week of their vegetation with the exception of the 
best and more vigorous one, which is generally found near 
the ground. Of this latter, the utmost care should be taken. 

In establishing a nursery the shoots are to be placed 
four feet (one meter) ai)art; but planting them for good the 
distance from trunk to trunk should be at least i6 to 24 feet 
(8 meters.) 

When the shoots reaches to the height ofone or two feet, 
buds spring forth from along its trunk. These should be 
let alone, as they are essential to the development of the 
roots. 

No matter how good the soil may be, it is extremely 
difficult that the shoots reach in one year to the desirable 
height — not less than six and no more than eight feet. In 
that case pruning is necessary using all care, and exercising 
all attention to the young plant. 

But if they develop well, leave them alone; only keep the 
soil free from weeds and rake it two or three times a year. 
If however, after a second pruning, the shoots do not de- 
velop as they should, the tree will be of an inferior quality. 

When the shoots have arrived to the height of sIk or 
eight feet — which is generally in their second year — proceed 
to the formation of their branches. Only when the trunk 
of the shoots has acquired a circumference of from 45 to 6 
inches it is fit to be transplanted from the nursery, the holes 
for this purpose should be four feet deep by four feet wide 
and at least 16 to 24 feet distant from each other. 

In spring the vertical branch must be cut. Only four 



— 11 — 

or five well develo])ed buds are kept on which the ingrafting 
is to be done on the following spring. Once the top (head) 
of the shoot being well formed, no further care need be taken 
of it, except in pruning the su|)erfluous branches. 

If the wild mulberr}' produces large and good leaves, 
no ingrafting should be made. 

The number of buds to be left on the shoot must be 
limited to the number of branches required. 



Ingrafting. 

If perchance the mulberry plant possesses large and 
abundant leaves, and shows a well - developed growth, no 
ingrafting should take place, because instead of improving, 
it would deteriorate the species. 

To ingraft at the foot of the shoot is not advantageous 
in cold climates. In temperate climates it is most convenient 
in those parts exposed to the rays of the sun, and j^ro- 
tected from the winds of the north; and the variety which is 
ingrafted must not be of the primitive white mulberry. In 
cold climates it is essentially necessary; for the branches of 
the wild mulberry make a better resistance to th.e colds of 
winter, and, it often happens, that if the ingrafted portion 
belongs to the white species, and the ingrafting is done at 
the foot of the tree, the tree itself will perish, while if done 
on the branches, even if bad, can always be made anew. 

The most favorable time for ingrafting is, without 
doubt, in the spring, and a good season must be selected, 



12 



that will [promise many days of favorable weather. The 
month of May, and the beginning of June are the two 
months favorable for ingrafting mulberry trees. The ing- 
rafting by bandages is preferrable to all other systems. 

But ingrafting by sprigs can be performed indifferently 
either on small or large branches. 



The care of Grafted Trees. 

Until we are perfectly assured of the good success of 
the ingrafting at the foot of the tree in this cold American 
climate, it is necessary, to facilitate the development, to set 
the tree in a place well-protected — near a wall for instance, 
if possible — and exposed to the south, south-east, or south- 
west, and in a soil well- manured and well - worked. 

These trees will begin to vegetate at the foot. Only 
the best sprig should be kept, the others destroyed; also, 
the old trunk, above the sprig, should be cut off. 

The mulberry trees which are transplanted m autumn 
should be buried first in a ditch; not in bundles, but disposed 
one by one, in a position a little inclined — oblique — and 
left there until the propitious season to plant again arrives. 

This earth-bath, given to the young plant, will impart 
to it vigor and new life. It must be borne in mind, however, 
that very little of the shoot should be left above ground. 

The best ingrafting is obtained from the following 
species: 

The low mulberry, "ce])paia" (block - like;) "spalliera" 
(Espalier;) and "castello" (castle - like.) 



— 13 — 

'I'hc l)ranchfs cut in winter, and placed in dry sand, in 
a cellar, are good for ingrafting wild mulberrys. 

'I'he i)runing must be done in accordance with the age 
of the tree, its vigor, the nature of the so.l and climate. No 
leaves should be gathered until after the sixth year of its 
growth; for if before that time, only 28 or 30 lbs. (14 or 15 ki- 
logr.) of leaves will be gathered, while if not githered during 
these six years the tree will yield more than 40 lbs. (20 kilogr.) 
of leaves. 

In sandy soil the ramification should be lept rather 
short. The pruning must be accomplished every two or 
three years, and never in summer. 

The mulberrv tree is endowed with long life, even in 
cold climates. In its wild stat'^ it reaches the age of 300 
and more years, but when ingrafted it does not live so 
long — less than 100 years. 

The reasons for this are the following: 

1st. By ingrafting, the branches being more porous 
and less strong, are more liable to suffer by the inclemency 
of the weather and other causes. 

2nd. By gathering the leaves every year, thus leav- 
ing the plant for ten or twelve days without respiratory 
organs, and the roots must necessarily suffer. 

3rd. By badly executed pruning. To avoid this, it is 
always to be done longitudinally on the trunk of the tree, 
and on that side more exposed to the sun. Care should 
also be taken to remove the sap, which is not absorbed by 
the branches or leaves. 

4th. By not working the ground properly, using the 



— 14 _^ 

plow or spade carelessly, cutting off the superficial roots oi 
the plant, which are essential to its well-being. 

5th. By sowing near the mulberry tree any phinr 
that spreads its roots too wide, thus extracting the greater 
portion of the tree's nutriment. 

6th. If the soil is not deep enough, and devoid of the 
qualities essential to the growth of the mulberry tree. 

7th. The frosts in spring, the droughts in summer, and 
the excessive colds of winter, preceded by do\vnpourings, 
and followed by a sudden rise in temperature, all combine 
to impede the growth and deteriorate the quality of the 
mulberry. 

8th. And lastly, all thai can affect a plant, as insects^ 
squirrels, and many other small animals ihat feed on 
roots. 

The quality and quantity of the croj) varies according to 
climate, the age of the tree, the soil, manner of pruning, etc., 
and will, most always, be affected by some of the above 
mentioned causes- 

The leaves of the wild mulberry are belter food, in the 
beginning, for the silk-worms, being more dry. When 
the mulberry reaches a certain age, it must be shorn of many 
of its branches, to maintain eipnlibrium between branches and 
roots, and the plant in consequence will produce less leaves. 



Manure. 

Which will be the best manure for the mulberrys.'' As 
chemical analysis has shown us which is the best adapted 



— 15 — 

soil for planting, so it will also guide us in selecting the best 
manure. 

According to the analysis of the mineral mattercontain- 
t.'d in the leaves and trunk of the mulberry, it is found that 
the trunk contains more lime, while the leaves more ])otash, 
])hosphoiic and azotic acids. So that the best manure for 
this plant is that which furnishes lime, jjotash, phos]ihoric 
acid, and is not devoid of azotic substances, to develo]) the 
leaves. 

The best manure for young trees is from the decom- 
])Osition of \egetable matter. 

And if this decomposition could take place in the ditch 
where the shoot is to l)e planted so much the better. Decayed 
limbs of fruit - bearing trees or any vegetable matter ])laced 
"in the ditch increase the strength of the shoot. 

The effect of manure on the )ilant, being by emanation 
■ )r absorption, the more the emanation or absor])tion, the 
l)etter will l»e the result. It is for this reason, that the 
mulberry, planted where manure is kept, thrives most 
vigorously, for there the organic and inorganic ])rinciples 
essential to its development are found. 

Production or the Mulberry Tree provided the 
Leaves are not gathered before the sixth vear. 

AGE. product in LEAVES. 

6 years old Lbs. lo. 

lo' " " 30. 

20 '■' '' 50. 

30 " '' 100. 

50 " . - " 160. 



— 16 — 

Brief Method for Silk- Worm Culture. 

PRELIMINARY REMARK ABOU'l SILK- 
WORMS AND COCOONS. 

The silk-worms belong to the numerous family of the 
"Bruchi." Their existence is classed into three periods ; 
larva chrysalis, and butterfly. However they are not 
perfect inserts, and are incapable of reproducing their own 
sjjecies, except in their last period of existence, and feed 
only in the first. 

During the first period, they change their skin fre- 
quently, in the other their skin changes only when passing 
from the chrysalis to the butterfly state. 

It seems Nature has placed animated beings there,- 
where food for their existence is abundantly provided. So 
the silk -worm is found to be indigenous to Bengal and 
the Chinese Empire, as is also the mulberry tree, on whose 
branches it was first discovered. 

The silk - worm belongs to the "Genus Bombyx", and 
to the species of the mulberry, as its name in natural his- 
tory, "Bombyx Mori," implies. 

At present great varieties of silk-worms are known; 
some by the changing of their skin, during their first period 
of existence, and are called "mute;" some by hatching their 
eggs once, or several times, during the year, and are called 
"Bivoltini, Trivoltini, and Polivoltini," and some by the 
volume and color of the cocoons. 

These varieties and species of silk-worms are known, 
and cultivated in Europe. 



— 17 — 

The most diffused, and the most cultivated in Italy is 
that called the "Quattro Mute," or Four Changes, whose 
eggs are not capable of development except once a year, and 
whose cocoons are yellow, white, and green and of other 
1 ok)rs blending with all the above. 

The life of these insects is divided into five e^jochs, 
"vvliich are called ages. The first four ages arc read- 
ily discerned by the insect changing its skin. During the 
fifth age the insect begins tlie spinning of the cocoon. 
IMie silk is derived from the cocoons, which are composed 
of very slender threads, varying in lengtii from 1,400 to 
a .600 feet (400 to 500 metres.) 

The other two stages of life include only two periods. 
The first, that of the chrysalis, the second, that of the but- 
terfly; and this last period continues until the two sexes meet 
t(i reproduce their own s])ecies, by depositing their eggs. 

In the stage of larva, the silk - worm breathes by 18 
little tubes, or tracheas (wind pipes,) which communicate 
with the exterior air, l)y as many little holes evenly 
divided on each side of its body near the feet. 

The insect, larva, does not possess sexual organs. 

Once the larva begins to feed, it remains immovable, 
until the moment arri\es for the sjjinning of the ( ocoon. 
In the state of chrysalis it is apparently dead. Shut up in 
a cartilaginous vagina, within the cocoon, it possesses no 
other movement but a lateral one, at the lower end of the 
body, which shows the only sign of life. 

As a butterfly it possesses a respiratory organic system. 
( hily one trachea, eyes, sexual organs; and the female, ovaries. 
The male is possessed of an amorous dis])Osition toward 



— 18 — 

propagating the species, cohabiting for four days, if dis- 
turbed, he immediately seeks another female whom he ap- 
proaches with pristine impetus. 

The female is more home-like and modest though not 
less transported toward the propagating of its species. She 
lays between 300 and 400 eggs. 



Theoretical and Practical Principles 
for the Culture of Silk- Worms 

Nature is the best teacher. Hence, by following the 
teachings of Nature in the culture of the silk - worm the 
best results will be attained. 

The cultivator should keep his silk- worms in an airy 
place, which must also be kept clean; taking away the old 
leaves, and providing the worms abundantly with new ones, 
fresh and good. The principal thing the cultivator should 
do, is to supply himself with an abundant stock of eggs, 
which must be laid by butterflies, and pronounced good after 
a microscopical examination. 



Preservation of Eggs. 

The eggs are to be kept in a room well-aired, and dry, 
and exposed, if possible, to the north. The temperature 
in winter must not be above 7 or 8 degrees Reaumur (about 



— 19 — 

40 Fahr.) Frost is more cong enial to the eggs, than otherwise- 
But the changes of temperature are to be feared, especially 
from the beginning of February 



Incubation. 

About the time when the mulberry tree begins to bud 
the eggs acquire a temperature of lo to ii degrees Reau- 
mur, (about 53 Fahr.) and incubation soon takes place when 
the temperature is increased to 12 or 13 degrees, about 55 
Fahr. upwards, to 18 degrees Reaumur [about 65 Fahr.] 

This temperature is to be kept constant and the air 
should be a little moist, to produce the opening of the 
eggs. It is most important to avoid a lowering of temperat- 
ure, during incubation, if a good quality of silk- worms is 
to be desired. 



Nursing. 

I St. Age. As soon as the little silk - worms are 
born, they are to be gathered on a fresh, tender leaf of the 
mulberry, and thus placed on clean sheets of paper, obser- 
ving that the silk-worms obtained from 10 grams of weight in 
eggs, when they reach at the end of this age, they must 
cover a superficial area of 9 square feet. They are to be 
kept as much as possible, to a temperature of 17 or 18 
degrees Reaumur, (about 75 Fh.) and fed with well - chopped 



— 20 — 

up leaves every two or three hours; that is, nine or twelve 
times in every 24 hours. 

The day previous to the first change, that is, when the 
worm's head begins to enUrrge, all the refuse leaves should 
be removed, and a very light feeding given toe the worms. 
Even when they are sick, keeping them to the same hours, 
as previously stated, in feeding, to prevent the suffering I)y 
hunger for those that have not reached such an advanced 
stage. But when many have reached this stage, then a 
suspension in the manner of feeding is necessary, to equalize 
their quality and growth; and in this way we must also act 
during the three other changes of skin. 

Observing that as soon as the worm shows signs of 
life, from the state of torpor in which it lies, it can be kept 
without food for 24 hours or longer, without any inconve- 
nience. 

This first age lasts six days, and, during this interval 
they consume about 7 pounds (3 kilogs.) of leaves. 

2nd. Age. During this age they may be fed once 
upon the same bed on which they slept upon in the first 
age, and then transported by means of mulberry sprigs, 
to another place, where new, clean sheets of paper are 
spread; and, at the end of the age, must occupy a space 
of 18 square feet (2 metres square ) 

The temperature, feeding, and treatment, must be 
exactly the same as in the first age. The second 
age lasts four days, the worms consume about 15 pounds 
(7 kilogr.) of leaves. 

3d. Age. During this age, which will last five 
days, the same treatment above stated must be followed, 



— 21 — 

with this exception only: to place the worms ui)on a new or 
larger bed, so as to occupy a space 27 feet square (3 metres 
squaie-) They will consume now about 42 pounds (20 kil.) 
of leaves. 

4th. Age. By following these rules carefully, the 
worms, 15 days from the time of their birth, will enter their 
fourth period. They must now occupy a space of about 
65 square feet [7 metres sq.] They will reach this age in 
7 days. The worms being now more vigorous, and better 
developed, the leaves may be given whole, and not chopped; 
and the feeding can be reduced to 6 times in every 24 
hours. If the temperature should increase more than 17 
degrees Reaumur, (about 75 Fahr.) windows and doors 
should be ojjened. If it should fall below 16 degrees 
Reaumur (about 65 Fahr.) a fire should be made. But good 
ventilation, and the same temperature should always be 
maintained. l"he worms will consume during this age, 
132 pounds (60 kilogr.) of leaves. 

5th. Age. From the state of torpor in the fourth 
age, the worms awake to the fifth. They must now be 
distributed over a space double that of the fourth age 
about 140 sq. ft. (15 metres sq.) During the eighth or ninth 
day at most, first, some few, and finally all, will begin to 
spin their cocoons, and crawl about on the dry stems of the 
leaves, which must be previously placed, broom-like, all 
along the feeding ground. 

In this age they must be kept scrupulously clean, 
and, every day, their bed should be changed. The worms, 
in this last age, are excessively voracious : and for this 
reason plenty of leaves must be supplied to them. And if 



— 22 — 

the feeding be not very frequent, it must be abundant. 
The leaves must be placed at least three inches deep, 
especially during the last three days previous to their de- 
parture for the grove. 

In very warm weather, on sultry days, during storms 
and heavy rains, more ventilation is necessary, because 
both heavy and bad air is death to the worm. They con- 
sume during this age about 660 pounds (300 kilogr.) of 
leaves. 

During the entire period of nursing, with eggs weighing 
only ten grams, worms will be produced consuming about 
858 pounds (390 kilogr,) of leaves, and s]>inning cocoons 
weighing complexively about 55 pounds (25 kilogr.) 



The Grove. 

The silk-worms, nursed as previously stated, in 30 days 
from brith, will betake themselves to the grove. The grove 
is to be made up of branches of different species of shrubs. 
They must be perfectly clear from insects, clean, and dry. 
They are placed all along the tables on which the worms are 
kept, some even resting on the tables, branches downward 
so that the worms may crawl up easily. 

The cultivator must now select those worms that are 
ripe, handling them lightly and with despatch. In this 
condition they are transparent, inclined to wiggle, keeping 
their heads constantly moving about, and looking for a 
svipport. This is to be done to help them, and to place 



— 23 — 

5 hem, it necessary on the l)ranches; and for three days, the 
.greatest care must be taken, as previously stated; for, during 
these days th.e worm wiH begin spinning. 



Management of the Cocoonery after 
the Cocoons are spun. 

The windows and doors must be kept open day and 
iiight. After four days the worm will be enclosed in the 
cocoon, its transformation into chrysalis complete, and 
eight days after the cocoons can be collected, 420 of the 
latter if yellow in color and of good Milanese quality, will 
ueigh about 2^-2 pounds [i kilogr.] 



Confection of the Silk- Worm Eggs. 

When the cocoons are gathered from the grove, arti- 
ficially built in the Cocoonery, select and keep for seed 
those that are harder more regular in shape, of an even color, 
and transparent as much as possible. Remove all the super- 
fluous coating, or froth like substance, to facilitate the egress 
of the butterfly from the cocoon. 

In selecting the cocoons as seed, care should be had to 
choose always by pairs-male and female — which are easily 
distiguished by their shape. The male is enclosed in cocoons 
that are smaller more pointed at the extremities, and de- 



— 24 — 

pressed at the sides. Those of the female are more rounded, 
fuller, and with less depression. 

The butterflies make their exit from the cocoons on the 
17th or i8th day after their introduction into the grove. 

The birth of the butterfly takes place between the hours 
of 4 and 9 A. M. 

The males, whose bodies are pointed and small, will flnp 
their wings with violence: the females have a larger and 
longer body, and are not so active. 

When the butterflies cohabit together, they should be 
placed upon another shelf and after six hours are separated 
by taking them by the wings and pulling them gently apart 
in opposite directions. 

Then the female is placed alone on a piece of cotton 
fabric, and in 40 or 50 hours she will lay the eggs. 



Suffocation of the Crysalis. 

Any oven whatsoever can be used to suffocate the crys- 
alis provided it be hot. 

The cocoons are placed in the oven in baskets when the 
temperature is from 200 to 240 degrees and suspended from 
the floor of the oven at the height of at least i centimetre. 

The cocoons are to be kept in the oven one hour at a tem- 
perature of 240 to 260 degrees of heat. After the lapse of 45 
minutes, take from the midst of the basket some cocoons, cut 
them open, and ascertain about the complete suffocation of 
the crysalis. 



— 25 — 

Before taking the basket of cocoons out, let the door of 
the oven open for about 12 or 15 minutes to prevent any 
dampness. 



Cocoonery. 

Any room can be used for such a purpose, provided 
it be above ground, free from dampness, kept warm, and at 
least 100 sq. ft. (12 meters sq.) in dimension. There must be 
three windows to the east, south, and west, communicating 
to the door of the room, thus producing a good ventilation. 

In this room, of whatever dimension it may be, a 
suitable stove is kept. The windows must be, as much as 
])ossible opposite to one another, and never towards the 
north. 

The floor and ceiling of the room must be in perfect 
order, so that neither the air without can penetrate nor the 
heat within escape. 

When the room has a dimension of from 100 to 180 sq. 
ft. (12 to 20 meters) it is necessary to have artificial ventil- 
ation, by means of a fan. When it has a dimension of 180 
or more square feet (20 meters sq.) or upwards, what follows 
must be observed: 

1. That the room have windows on two opposite sides. 

2. That the windows be at least 12 feet (3 meters) 
apart. 

3. That the height of the windows be between 5 and 



— 26 — 

8 ft. (i, 50 meters or 2 meters) not taking into account 
their width. 

4. That all along the ceiling and in the middle of 
the room be ventilators, that may be shut and opened at 
pleasure. • 

5. That there be in some part of the room a con- 
trivance, to remove immediately the beds on which the 
silk-worms rested. 

6. That all windows be towards the east or west, or 
towards the south-east or south-west. 

7 . Besides the outer door there should be an inner one 
to prevent a current of air or draft, which would be injurious 
to the silk-worms nearest it. 

8. The window should have no clear glass, if there are 
no blinds. 

9. And, if there are no blinds, paper, dip])ed in linseed 
oil. mixed with resin, is pasted on the window sash, 
answering the purpose, being transparent and strong enough 
to resist rain and wind. 

10. Every window should have a green curtain, to keep 
off the rays of the sun. 

1 1 . That there be a ventilator to change the air. 

12. For every 200 to 250 square feet (24 or 28 meters 
sq.) of the room, a stove must be kept, with sufficient capacity 
to warm it. The height of the room should never be more 
than about 16 feet [4 meters.] 

13. Finally, the room must be compact, so that 
it may soon be warmed, and kept so, with the most econo- 
mical consumption of coal and wood. At the distance 



— 21 — 

of every 120 square feet [14 meters sq.] a thermometer must 
be suspended upon the wall distant from stoves, 12 feet (3 
meters,) and 4^/2 feet [i, 05 meters,] from the floor. 

The tables or shelves upon which the worms are nurs- 
ed, may be of any wood whatever, provided they be white 
and smooth. They must be stationary, and made of thin 
wood for economy's sake. 

Thy may be of any dimension, and the racks large 
enough to hold the worms of one ounce of eggs in weight, 
and are disposed in shelf-fashion for convenience. The 
distance between one shelf and the other must be about two 
feet (40 cent.) and must be perfectly steady. 



- 29 ~ 

PRICE LIST. 



Lombardian Mulberry Trees. 

Trees i to 2 feet higli per 100 $ S^oo- 

8,00. 

3 " 4 " " ----- " 

4 " 5 " " 

5 "6 - " 

4 years old t^ralted " ._ 

6 " "ungiafted" , 

6 " " '' per doz 

A LIBERAL DISCOUNT ON ORDERS OF lOOO OR MORE. 

These trees are endowed with a very strong organiza- 
tion, which enables them to grow in cold countries. The 
leaves are hardy and pulpy, so that the woinis fed by them 
will produce large and heavy cocoons. 



14,00, 
20,00. 
30,00. 
50,00. 
80,00. 
12,00, 



Silk -Worm Eggs. 

BREEDING OF 188 

Silk worm eggs, confectioned by the cellular system, 
and examined by a physiological and microscopical selec- 
tion ; free from disease, proceeding from a successful breed- 
ing of the previous year, in either white, yellow or green 
cocoons, $5,00 per ounce of 25 grams. 

Our agency will provide also Machinery for reeling 
cocoons. 

All orders and informations promptly attended to. 

Package and Freight from New York to destination to 
be paid by the consignee. 

Orders must be accompained by cash (postal card or 
check or registered letter) and are guaranteed to be filled 
as soon as goods arrive in New York. 

CARERA, RUBER & CO. 

152 Wooster St., New York. 



1 3sr D E x:. 

PAGE. 

Preface, -3 

Mulberry Tree's origin 5 

How to select a Mulberry Tree 6 

Propagation of the Mulberry Tree 7 

Planting 9 

Ingrafting 11 

Care of Grafted Trees 12 

Manure .. 14 

Production of the Mulberry Tree. .• 15 

Remark about Silk-Worms and Cocoons 16 

Practical principles for the Culture of Silk-Worms 18 

Preservation of Eggs 18 

Incubation 19 

Nursing 19 

The Grove 22 

Management of the Cocoonery after the Cocoons are spun 2t, 

Confection of the Silk-Worm Eggs 23 

Suffocation of the Crysalis ... 24 

Cocoonery .... 25 

Price List 29 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



002 842 951 4 ^ 



FR.IOE 2S OEISTTS. 



